This is what I carry in my hand when I travel.

Travel products can enhance the overall experience of travel as they help increase efficiency and organization. But too much, or wrong, can cause problems. I consider my personal travel accessories to be some of my most prized possessions. I swear by this. They are the most practical, durable and dime worthy things I have ever found. You get a $475 case, sure, but a $3 passport holder, and both have served me equally well. Below, all the items I carry whenever I travel.

Zero Halliburton Edge Lightweight International Carrying Case

In my time as a travel writer, I’ve tried many luggage brands (and here’s proof of that), but few have made as lasting an impression on me as the Zero Halliburton. That said, my personal case is the ZH, and more specifically, it’s the Edge Lightweight Brilliant International Carry-On Case.

An effective spin on the best-selling Edge Lightweight collection, the Bright Collection features rugged travel cases with a sleek, glossy, mirror-like finish. Almost completely customized, all cases feature Zero Halliburton’s signature double rib design, a pull handle designed for an ergonomic palm fit, patented ZH Concave Edging, performance-enhancing ball bearing wheels and matte detailing. Available in black, navy and grey, this carry-on is the epitome of durable, functional and good-looking luggage.

My only caveat is that, like aluminum cases, the Edge Lightweight Brilliant International Carry-On Case shows evidence of wear over time, mostly with visible marks on the exterior. That said, they serve as little reminders of all the places you’ve been together…Healthy.

Zero Halliburton packaging system

What were we all doing before packing cubes came along? When I was 20 years old, without rhyme or reason, I carried my life into a giant check-in and a few months in London for the second time. I think back to that time now and wonder how different things could have been if I had better packing cubes.

Fast forward over a decade and all the big luggage brands have a collection of packing cubes designed to fit their luggage. I love these from Zero Halliburton, especially when I only plan to bring carry-on items for trips, my carry-on is also Zero Halliburton. Each cube is constructed of tear-resistant nylon and has a clear top panel so I can see inside without unpacking. But, thanks to the brand’s continued interest, most packing cubes fit into any regular-sized carry-on or check-in (these are great from Monos, too.) Are you prone to messy packing tendencies like me? For the love of all things good: buy yourself some packing cubes.

Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket

Airplanes are kept cool to prevent airsickness and reduce dehydration, which is why you always receive one of those complimentary, paper-thin fleece blankets on international flights (or at least, have them ready to buy). But in that case, I prefer to travel with myself. Super warm and packed like a regular-sized Nalgene bottle, you’ll always find this blanket from Rumpl in my carry-on – on international and domestic flights.

Clear passport protector

I love the idea of ​​a nice leather, personalizable, passport protector but the reality is they make you take it off every time you go through immigration. It becomes such a hassle – especially since you’re carrying your customs forms and boarding passes and whatever else. That’s why when I received my renewed passport earlier this month, instead of buying a more extravagant protector, I opted for this two-pack of clear covers for $6 instead. They have a small slip pocket on the back where I keep my Global Access card.

Apple Airtag (and this keychain)

Get off a plane, get through baggage claim and realize your phone – thanks to Find My – is still on the plane? Well, same. And it occurred to me that same night, for that exact reason, I got home and ordered an Apple Airtag, which is now permanently affixed to my wrist. For those of you who don’t know, Airtags are Bluetooth trackers that, with the help of hundreds of millions of Apple devices, can locate many remote objects in the Find My network. I’ve never lost a bag once, but it still gives me peace of mind, which is worth the $29 price tag in itself.

Ostrich neck pillow

One thing about me: I tend to fall asleep on flights. A red-eye flight to Europe? Lights are off. A three-hour afternoon flight to Tampa? Also, the light goes out. I’ve even been known to fall asleep before I wake up – not like the kid in the car. That’s why I would never dream of stepping foot on a plane without a neck pillow (under no circumstances).

For the past year I have been using a neck pillow that I bought out of desperation at the airport. Unfortunately, it’s not available for purchase online, but if you find yourself in Newark Airport Terminal C in the near future, I’m sure you’ll find it at any of the kiosks on the left. “I [heart] NY” Clothing (“I [heart] NJ” no costumes).

Then I got hold of the ostrich neck pillow that I had been coveting for some time. With a 360-degree ergonomic design and a supportive memory foam core (which compresses up to 60% of its volume when stored in a backpack), this neck pillow puts my Newark airport iteration to shame.

Turn the toothbrush

On long travel days, I have to find a toothbrush quickly and – no shade for Oral-B or Philips – but I love the Quip toothbrush. With sensitive sound vibrations, a 2-minute timer with 30-second pulses, a flexible brush head, soft nylon bristles, a tongue-and-groove brush and no wires or chargers, Quip’s Smart Electric Toothbrush in particular helps with brushing, without any fuss – an important detail, especially when travel is involved. .

Anker power bank

Thanks to Anchor Power Bank, considering how important travel documents—boarding passes—are now digital, among them, I’ve put out an official auction of mediocre travel dead equipment. With three USB ports and the ability to charge most phones more than six times, tablets twice and any other USB device multiple times, this power bank helps me get a full battery from point A to B.

Apple AirPods Pro

Indisputable fact: Noise-cancelling headphones, regardless of brand, are essential when it comes to flying. Why listen to screaming children when you can’t hear anything? Call me unoriginal, but AirPods are my favorite. They fit me beautifully – you guessed it! – Zero Halliburton AirPods Case.

Abbott’s BinaxNOW Covid-19 Ag Home Test

Covid restrictions have been winding down around us for the better part of the past few months, with many countries not completely scrapping their testing requirements (the US being the main one). Still, you can never be too careful, which is why I always have a covid test handy and prepared whenever I travel. It won’t be enough to get you back to the US, but you can get tested right away if you start showing symptoms.